From the legacy of Kevin Samuels, to the rise of the Passport Bros Movement, to the viral dominance of platforms like the Fresh and Fit podcast, the Brown Pill represents a unique blend of cultural commentary, relationship dynamics, and reactionary politics.

While most of us are familiar with the "Red Pill" — often associated with traditional gender roles, hyper-masculinity, and critiques of feminism — and the "Black Pill," which leans toward nihilism and defeatism in dating, the Brown Pill is something a little different. Rooted in the realities of racial identity, structural inequality, and the perceived disempowerment of men of color, this ideology is gaining traction online and influencing how Black masculinity — and by extension, Black womanhood — is being discussed. And yet — much of the conversation happens without critically engaging how these ideas affect or reflect Black women.

Kellen Sharp (he/him), a Doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park guides today's discussion. Sharp’s research examines toxic technocultures, disinformation, and digital platforms, with a focus on how race, gender, and health are shaped by algorithmic systems and online communities.

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The beauty industry has undergone major shifts over the last decade, with increasing demands for inclusivity, clean ingredients, and science-backed solutions. Yet, many mainstream products still fail to meet the unique needs of Black women. Spelman College's Cosmetic Science program answers that need by preparing women of color to lead the next wave of change. It is more than a response to industry trends—it’s a declaration that Black women belong at the forefront of science, beauty, and innovation. Students learn cosmetic chemistry, dermatology, and product formulation, all while examining the cultural, social, and economic impact of beauty standards on communities of color. With graduates entering roles in research, product development, and corporate leadership, Spelman is building a pipeline of Black women who will shape the beauty industry from the inside out.

This episode feature the Director of the Cosmetic Science Program, Dr. Leyte Winfield, Ph.D., a distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Spelman College.

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Camming is a form of digital sex work where performers livestream themselves—often engaging in erotic or sexual acts—for viewers who can interact and tip in real time. It blends elements of performance, intimacy, and entrepreneurship, with workers operating largely on their own terms but within platform-driven systems shaped by visibility algorithms and audience demand. As camming culture becomes more mainstream, more Black women are choosing to participate — not just as performers, but as entrepreneurs reclaiming agency over their labor and visibility.

But what does this choice really cost for Black women? Research has shown that performers may find pleasure and connection in camming, but risks—including harassment, emotional labor, racialized scripts, and mental health strain—are significant. For example, models of color, especially Black women, consistently register lower camscores—a platform metric tied to earnings—relative to white counterparts. This disparity reflects entrenched racialized labor inequalities

In this episode, we sit down with sociologist and cultural critic Dr. Angela Jones to unpack the multiple dimensions of camming culture Black women must negotiate. Dr. Jones is Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Stony Brook University, State University of New York. Their research interests include African American political thought and protest, sex work, race, gender, sexuality, Black feminisms, and Black feminist and queer methodologies. Jones is the author of eleven books and countless articles published in academic journals and mainstream press.

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Pregnancy and the year following childbirth are deeply transformative periods in a woman’s life, involving intense emotional, physical, and psychological shifts. While maternal mental health is vital for all women, Black women in particular face unique mental health challenges that often go unaddressed. Unfortunately, we are less likely to receive a diagnosis or adequate care. And cultural stigma, mistrust of medical systems, and underrepresentation in healthcare further widen the gap in support and understanding.

This episode features Dr. Lyneia Richardson, a mama, healer, psychologist, educator, author, and maternal health advocate. Her work is rooted in decolonizing therapy and education through a Mothering Praxis that centers care and aims to uplift the voices of those who have historically been marginalized and silenced. She is currently a professor of counseling at McDaniel College and the owner of Melanated Women's Therapy, LLC, where she provides therapy and support to Black women and mothers, addressing issues at the intersection of race, gender, and mothering.

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In conversations about social justice and equality, some of the most urgent and devastating issues remain under-discussed—among them, the epidemic of violence against Black transgender women. The statistics are harrowing: 56% of Black transgender women experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime, 65% of transgender gun homicide victims were Black trans women, and nearly 75% of identified perpetrators in fatal attacks against Black trans women were Black cisgender men- with whom the victims often had a relationship with.

Understanding the roots of this violence involves delving into a complex web of societal factors, including entrenched racism, transphobia, and misogyny, which often manifest in harmful stereotypes and prejudices. This episode features Pamuela Halliwell (she/her), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with transgender, non-binary and gender non-confirming individuals. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Argosy University and is the author of "Characterizing the Prevalence and Perpetrators of Documented Fatal Violence Against Black Transgender Women in the United States (2013–2021)"

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For decades, Black women have faced barriers to swimming. Much of this stems from historical segregation across swimming spaces, cultural myths about bodies of water, and a lack of access to swim instruction in Black communities. For many Black women, the added challenge of hair maintenance—given chlorine damage and ill-fitting swim caps—has made the water feel even more unwelcoming. In fact, nearly 70% of Black adult women have little or no swimming ability. Tragically, this contributes to the reality that Black individuals are five times more likely to drown than their white peers.

But the tide is turning. To discuss the ways in which Black women are reclaiming their spaces in the water, we are in conversation with Dr. Dawn Norwood. She is an associate professor and interim department chair at Queens University of Charlotte in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

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Mindfulness has long been celebrated for its ability to reduce stress, improve emotional balance, and support overall mental well-being. But while its benefits are well-documented, traditional mindfulness practices often fail to address the cultural realities, lived experiences, and systemic challenges that uniquely impact Black communities. Enter Blackfullness—a groundbreaking mindfulness app designed with intention and cultural relevance, Blackfullness offers a space for Black individuals to reclaim rest, stillness, and self-awareness in ways that feel authentic and affirming. By centering the Black experience, Blackfullness bridges the gap between traditional mindfulness and true, culturally responsive healing.

This episode features the founder of Blackfullness- Dr. Natalie Watson-Singleton. A licensed clinical psychologist, she is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Spelman College; and the Diversity and Inclusion Education Director with the Nia Project at Emory University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

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It’s no secret that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications. Factors like implicit bias in medical settings, and social determinants of health contribute to this disparity. However, there’s an often untold part of this story- the importance of involving men in maternal health.

Fathers can play a crucial role in supporting Black women by advocating for their access to quality healthcare, assisting in navigating the frequently disjointed healthcare system, and challenging any biases that may occur. Unfortunately, conversations about maternal health are often isolated, and fathers might feel it’s not their role or lack the skills and knowledge to manage these emotionally charged areas.

In today’s episode, we’ll be exploring how fathers can be key advocates for maternal health with Dr. Valerie Newsome Garcia, Director of Programs and Grants for 4Kira4Moms.

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